Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 15224, Ebenezer Field, Navy (Mass.)

SERVICE
NUMBER
Navy (Mass.)
Field, Ebenezer Pratt, Mary (Former widow.)
W. 15224.
CONTENTS
This woman's last husband, Samuel Pratt, served in Mass. troops Rev. War.

2690
Massachusetts.
Mary Pratt, formerly widow of Ebenezer Field, also widow of who died on the Samuel Pratt at (Nah?) in Rev. war of in the State of who was a Master armorer in the commanded by Captain Seaman of the commanded by in the Revolution mas. Arm. 17 mo. 18 days two fory Seaman. 6 " 12 " increased from $204.80.
Inscribed on the Roll of Boston, at the rate of 322 Dollars 13 Cents per annum, to commence on the 11 th day of March, 1831. & end 30 th September, 183
Certificate of Pension issued the 31 st day of July 1854. and sent to
J. M. Sawyer Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Present.
{ Revolutionary Act -
G. 71
Recorded by Book:

Mary Pratt V3698 Widow of Ebenezer Field the
Mass. Act July 11. 1836 Marina 1778 died 1 st 1779 Allow 10 m d as an Arrears on board the Alliance. Cape Packer U.S. Navy $45 per ann
R Baldwin Boston Act 4 July 1836

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk County ss
On this Tenth day of August in the Year of Our Lord, eighteen hundred and thirty eight. Personally appeared before the Hon Peter O Thacher Judge of the Municipal Court for the City of Boston and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Mary Pratt, a resident of Chelsea in said County, who being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her Oath make the following Declaration in order to ob- tain the benefit of the provisions made by the Acts of Congress passed July 4, 1836 and March 3, 1837 - That she is seventy eight years of age
That she is the Widow of Samuel Pratt late of said Chelsea de d that she was the wife and likewise the Widow of Ebenezer Field formerly of Boston de d that her first husband said Ebenezer Field served in the Naval Service of the United States in the War of the Revolution, as Armourer on board the Continental Frigate Alliance com- manded by Capt Peter Landais, and sailed in that Ship from the Port of Boston in the month of Janu- ary 1779 to L'Orient in France and there joined the The Squadron under command of John Paul Jones Sailed there on a cruise and was in the engagement at the Capture of the British Ship of War Serapis de d and when the Alliance put into Holland he said Ebenezer Field was attacked with an Epidemic disease of which he died after serving about eleven months, That her last husband Samuel Pratt

aforesaid served as an Officer in said War and performed one tour of service of three months in the State of New York as First Lieut in the Comp y of Capt Joseph Pratt in Col Edward Proctors Reg t of Boston Militia Stationed at Albany or near it in the year 1780. She has her commission for this service bearing date August 1780
She further declares that she was married to said Ebenezer Field on the fourteenth day of November in the year Seventeen hundred and Seventy eight and that her husband said Ebenezer Field died the latter part of December Seventeen hundred Seventy nine that Dr Amos Wendship the Surgeon of the Albany brought home and delivered to her the effects of her said husband Ebenezer Field together with a small amount of prize money that she afterwards married to Samuel Pratt who died on the twenty fourth day of December Eighteen hundred and Nine and that she was a Widow on the 4 July 1836 and still remains a Widow, as will more fully appear by reference to the proof hereto annexed.
Mary her Pratt mark
Witness to signature Peter O. Thacher
Subscribed and sworn to on the day and year first aforewritten, viz, 1 st August, 1838, before me; and I certify that the said Mary Pratt, by reason of her great age and bodily infirmity, is unable personally to attend in court. Peter O. Thacher, Judge of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston

I Mary Pratt, wife of Caleb Pratt, of Chelsea in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Aged Seventy one years do on Oath testify and say that I was formerly well acquainted with Lieut Samuel Pratt, decd. and with his family, of this Town of Chelsea they were near neigh- bours of mine, Said Samuel Pratt died  married in this Town in the year Eighteen hundred & nine and left his Widow Mary Pratt who is still living in this Town and she has not Married since the death of her husband Samuel Pratt aforesaid It was reported and believed and never contra- dicted that Said Mary Pratt was formerly the Wife and widow of Ebenezer Field decd and that he Said Ebenezer Field died abroad whilst in the Naval Service of the United States in the War of the Revolution Mary Pratt
I Caleb Pratt of Chelsea in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts Aged Seventy five years do on Oath testify and say that I am a pensioner of the United States under the Act of June 7. 1832 that I am well acquainted with Mary Pratt Widow of Samuel Pratt decd late of this Town. She is my near Neighbour it was always reported and believed that Said Mary Pratt was formerly the Wife and widow of Ebenezer Field previous to her marriage to Said Samuel Pratt Said Mary had one child a son by her former husband by the Name of Ebenezer Field Said who I knew, Samuel Pratt died in Chelsea over twenty five years since and left Said Mary

his Widow who is still living in Chelsea and has not remarried since the death of her husband said Samuel Pratt, I am the son of Caleb Pratt late of this Town of Chelsea the said Caleb Pratt
• Suffolk ss. August 1 st 1838
• Personally appeared the above named Caleb Pratt and Mary Pratt both persons of truth and veracity, and were each that the foregoing affidavits by them subscribed is true —
Supreme Justice Thomas Justice of Peace Suffolk County

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
City of Boston, July 21. 1838.
I certify, that it appears by the Registry of marriages of the town (now city) of Boston, that Ebenezer Field and Mary Newhall, were married by the Rev. Samuel Stillman, on the fourteenth day of November, A. one thousand seven hundred and seventy eight.
Samuel F. McCleary, City Clerk.
Suffolk, ss. Boston, July 21. 1838. The above named Samuel F. McCleary, City Clerk personally appeared and made oath, that the above certificate by him subscribed is true.
Before me,
- Lem d Hayden Jr - Justice Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk ss
I Thomas W Phillips, Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston hereby certify that Peter O Thacher Esquire is Judge of the said Municipal Court that the two signatures, on these papers, purporting to be his are genuine; also that William Hayden junior Esquire is a Justice of the Peace in the County of Suffolk also that Joseph Stowers Esquire is a Jus- tice of the Peace for said County of Suffolk that the signatures, purporting to be theirs, are each of them genuine.
Witness my hand the seal of said Municipal Court hereto set this first day of August A D eighteen hundred & forty eight.
Thomas W Phillips Clerk

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Suffolk County.
I Edward G. Loring, Judge of Probate for said County hereby certify that satisfactory evidence has been exhibited to me in open Court by the affidavits of Francis Kemple and Samuel P. Ridler, who are respectable and credible witnesses, that Mary Pratt, who was a pensioner of the United States at the rate of $45 per annum, died on 30 th day of September 1852, and that she left five children, and no more, viz. Isaac Pratt, Edward Pratt, Samuel Pratt, Betsey Ridler and Polly Watts, and that the said children are all now living.
W. Edward G. Loring Witness my hand and the Seal of the Probate Court, hereunto affixed this 3 rd day of August 1853. Edward G. Loring Judge of Probate.

March 25, 1912.
Mrs. Norman J. Page, Woodsville, N. H.
Madam:
Ebenezer Field W. 15224 In response to your letter dated the 16" and received the 19" instant, you are advised that from the papers in claim, Wid. File No. 15,224, Rev. War, it appears that Samuel Pratt was commissioned in August, 1780, a First Lieut. in Captain Joseph Pratt's company, Colonel Edward Proctor's regiment of Boston Militia, and served a tour of 3 months at Albany, N. Y.
He married, date not given, Mary (Newhall) Field, widow, who had been married in Boston, Massachusetts, November 14, 1778, to Ebenezer Field who died in the naval service on board the frigate "Alliance" December 1, 1779.
Samuel Pratt died December 24, 1809, at Chelsea, Massachusetts, where his widow Mary resided August 1, 1838, at which time she was seventy-eight years of age and applied for a pension as the widow of Ebenezer Field, her claim was allowed.
She died September 30, 1852, leaving only five children: Isaac, Edward, and Samuel Pratt, Betsey Ridler and Polly Watts.
You are further advised that the Revolutionary War pension records fail to afford any information in regard to Isaac Ridler, Zebulon White, or William Richmond Walker of Somerset, Mass.
Very respectfully,
J. C. Clapp Commissioner.

Rev
WIDOW, &c.
File No. 15224
Mary Pratt
Formerly Widow of
Ebenezer Field
also widow of Samuel Pratt and Rufus Seaman Rev. Wa.
Act: July 4 th 1836
Index: Vol. 11 , Page 41
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Ms. A. 9. 2. 4 v. 11, p. 11, 6 Chas. E. Ridler, Baylston St., Cor Berkeley, Boston, Mass. 1912 Mar. 25. To Mrs. Norman J. Page letter in S. file 11,150 John Nutter &

no. 2690.
120 14
Massachusetts
Mary Pratt, formerly the widow of Ebenezer Field, Dec. 2:
who died on the 1st: December, 1779 - Suffolk Co in the State of Mass: -
who was an armourer in the Co commanded
by Captain Parke of the unit commanded
in the U. S. Navy for 10 Months as an Armourer board The Alliance, Capt: Parke
Massachusetts
on the Roll of Massachusetts rate of 45 - Dollars — Cents per annum, commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15th: day of June 1839 and sent to R. Bald- win, Boston, Mass: -
Arrears to the 4th of Mar: 1839 $ 360.00 Semi-annual allowance ending 4 Sept 22.50
$382.50
{ Revolutionary Claim, Act July 4, 1836, Section the 3rd - }
Recorded by M. Stearns Clerk, Book A Vol. 2 Page 57
Hon Horace Mann Nov 29 1852
Frost. Andrew May 16. 1853
re re of re by by lin.
Dr.
Inscribed at 11

2690
Massachusetts
Mary Pratt Durand
widow of Ebenezer Field who died on the 1 Decr 1779
of in the State of who was a Master in the Arm? commanded by Captain of the commanded by in the line for Revolutionary war
Inscribed on the Roll of Pension at the rate of 204 Dollars 80 Cents per annum, to commence on the 14 day of March, 1871 ending 30 Sept, 1852 Increased from $15.
Certificate of Pension issued the 17 day of Augt 1853 and sent to
J. M. Thayer Merchant
Letter to D. F. C. Lippincott Sept. 30. 1853
Act July 4, 1836, } Section the } Recorded by R. M. Mac Clerk, Book Vol. 2 Page 346.

Mary V Pratt and Eben Field Mass Sus. let R Baldwin Sept 3 1835 do. do. Nov 22 1838 do. do. Dec 5 1835

Ebenezer Filer, Westchester Co.,
From July 1, 1777 to Dec. 18 1788. 17 mo 18 days,
at $20. per month _____ $352.08
Seven 6 mo. 12 days, on Board the
Alliance at $9.00 per month
one half pay _____
57.60
409.60
204.80
Deducting former payments at $45. a year.

Boston June 29 th 1853
Sir I wrote you on the 24 th inst. enclosing two certificates in support of the claim of Mary Pratt, formerly widow of Ebenezer Field, for an increase of her pension.
You will please make report in the case to J. H. Thayer Esq r of Washington City. I oblige Sir Very Resp y
A. A. Dyer
To the Comm n of Pensions

FIELD, EBENEZER (NAVY, MASS.) W-15224

In the Name of God Amen. I Ebenezer Field of Boston in the County of Suffolk Gunsmith being bound on a Cruise in the Continental Armed Ship Alliance Commanded by Peter Landais Esq r Do make this my last Will and Testament as follows Imprimis, I will that my just debts and Funera Expences be paid as soon as may be after my decease Item, all the rest residue and remainder of my Worldly Goods & Estate whatsoever, I give devise and bequeath to my Wellloved Wife Mary Field to be fully possessed & enjoyed by her and at her disposal forever Lastly I do Constituate make and ordain my said Wife Mary the sole Executrix of this my Last Will & Testament, hereby Revoking & making null and Void all other wills and Testaments by me at any time heretofore made declaring this to be my Last. —
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this Fifth day of January anodomini one Thousand Seven hundred and Seventy Nine. Signed Sealed and Declared and published by the said Ebenezer Field the testator as and for his Last will and Testament. in the presence of us who set to our hands as Witnesses. —
A True copy Attest By us
John Pratt John Buttrick Caleb Pratt

FIELD, EBENEZER (NAVY, MASS.)
W 15224

I know all Men by these Presents. That I Ebenezer Field of Boston in the County of Suffolk gunsmith being bound on a Cruise in the Continental Ship of War the Alliance commanded by Peter Landais Esq r have Constituted and appointed & by these presents Do Constitute and appoint my Wellbeloved Wife Mary Field of Boston my true and lawfull Attorney for me and in my Name & stead and to my use to ask demand law require recover and receive whatsoever sum and sums of Money Debts Goods & Effects that are any Ways Due owing payab le belonging and coming unto me the Constituent by any Ways and Means whatsoever also what prize Money and Effects that may be Due and coming to me from any prize or prizes that may be Captured by said Ship Alliance during the present intended Cruise also what Wages may be Due to me while Serving on board said Ship Giving and Granting unto her my said Attorney my full power and Authority to take pursue and follow such legal Ways and Courses for the recovery obtaining & discharging the premises as I my self might or could do were I personally present (cum facultate substituendi) I the Constituent hereby ratifying & confirming in me whatsoever she my said Attorney or her Substitutes shall lawfully do or cause to be done in and about the execution of the premises by virtue of these presents. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal this Fifth day of January Anno Domini one Thousand Seven hundred and seventy Nine Signed Sealed and delivered in presence of John Pratt John Butman Caleb Poret A True copy attest. by us

Boston Massachusetts September 24. 1838
Sir
I regret to inform you that Mr William C Parke (Son of Capt Matthew Parke of Marines on board the Frigate Alliance) utterly refused to loan the Roll and Journals in his possession which belonged to his late Father without such compensation as I do not feel disposed to give him. these documents were referred to in my letter of August 13th,
The unexecuted affidavit herein enclosed he refused to complete without an exorbitant compensation. It appears by the extract from Capt Parkes Journal that Ebenezer Field , armourer died December, 1779, this corroborates the statement of his widow, Mrs Mary Pratt, whose application for a pension was answered by your letter of the 3 rd inst, the Journal herein attached is probably the only proof to be found of the death of said Field, who was an Armourer on board the Alliance.
In enclose copy of the Roll of the crew of the Alliance as made up at the Tavel after the Capture of the Serapis, previous to which said Ebenezer Field had died. As I could not procure the original Roll to send you, I furnish the copy herein enclosed. If it is desired the Correctness of the copy can be attested.
I am respectfully Sir Your Obedt
H. Edwards Esq Comd of Pensylvania Washington,
Reuben Baldwin

I William C Parke of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged Sixty Six Years do on Oath testify depose and say That I am the reputed Son of Matthew Parke du o who was Captain of Marines on board of the United States Frigate Alliance Commanded by Captain Peter Sandais in the War of the Revolution And that I have in my possession certain documents and Journals kept by my late Father Said Matthew Parke on board of said Frigate, and in said Journal at page 123 is the following precise Record,
December 1. 1779. Benjamin Field Armourer died of a Nervous Fever he behaved very well while on board and to the satisfaction of every Officer from the highest to the lowest. Also one Jerry a Seaman died very suddenly. The Surgeon opened his head and found his skull fractured and his Brains much putterified,,
I further testify and say that I have care- fully compared the above extract with the origin- al entry in the aforesaid Journal and the same is precisely and accurately copied therefrom in the words of the original record
William C Parke
Suffolk ss 20 Dec 1838 Then personally appeared

William C. Parke said made solemn Oath that the within Affidavit by him subscribed is true -
Before me Phineas Blair Justice of the Peace
I certify that I have compared the extract contained in this Affidavit with the original entry and find the same truly copied -
I also certify that I am well acquainted with said Wm C. Parke and believe him to be a man of good character and enti- tled to belief on his oath -
20 Dec 1834 - Phineas Blair Justice of the Peace
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Suffolk ss: I, Thomas W. Phillips
Clerk of the Municipal Court of the City of Boston, hereby certify that Phineas Blair Esquire, is a Justice of the Peace in the County of Suffolk and that the signatures above ap- pearing to be his, are his genuine signatures.
Wt Fnepp my hand & the Seal of said Court hereto set this twentieth day of December A.D. Eighteen Hundred & thirty eight.
Thomas W. Phillips, Clerk.

William C. Parke of Boston in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged _____ years do on Oath, testify, depose, and say, that I am the reputed Son of Mathew Parke deceased who was Captain of Marines of the United States Frigate Alliance Commanded by Capt Peter Landais, in the War of the Revolution and that I have in my possession the original Journals and other documents kept by and belong- ing to my late Father Said Mathew Parke on Board of Said Frigate Alliance, and that in the Said Journal there is an Entry of which the following is a true and exact Copy from page 123 of Said Journal,
December 1. 1779 Ebenezer Field , Arms bearer died of a Nervous Fever , he behaved very well while on board, and to the Satisfaction of every Officer from the highest to the lowest, — also one Perry a Seaman died very suddenly. The Surgeon opened his head and found his Skull fractured and his Brains much putrefied,
I further testify and say that I have carefully compared the above extract with the original Journal in my possession kept by Said Mathew Parke and the same is a true Copy therefrom

James L Edwards Esq Court officers room Washington
May 26 th 1869
Mr. [unclear]
1869

Boston Massachusetts August. 1838
Sir
I herein enclose Documents in the case of Mrs Mary Pratt, widow of Samuel Pratt, deceased, formerly the Wife and likewise the Widow of Ebenezer Field deceased in support of her claim to a pension under the Acts of Congress of July 4. 1836 and March 3 d 1837. Mrs Pratt has furnished copies of two instruments found amongst the papers of her first husband Ebenezer Field, viz t a Power of Attorney to his wife, and his Will, executed on the eve of his departure on a Cruise in the U.S. Ship of War Alliance, which papers accompany her application, Be pleased to give this case the usual course of examination and inform me of the result at this place.
Very respectfully I am Sir Your Obedt
Reuben Baldwin
James L Edwards Esq Comm r of pensions Washington

Brief in the case of Mary Pratt formerly widow of Ebenezer Field deceased Suffolk County and State of Massachusetts act of July 4. 1836
Claim, ( "original," or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
An exemplified copy of a Record from the State of Mass- achusetts showing that Ebenezer Field was a Master Ar- mour of the Submarine in Boston from July 1. 1777 to Dec. 18. 1778 a period of 17 months and 18 days; accompanied by second proof that said Submarine was under the control of the Board of War and was similar in all respects, except extent, to the Continental Submarine, at Springfield. —
The marriage of the parties has been testified second (If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
The said Mary Pratt deceased on the 30 th day of September 1852, leaving five children who are now living, to wit, Isaac Pratt, Edward Pratt, Samuel Pratt, Betsey Nichols and Polly Watts. —
Name and residence of Agent J. M. Pheyser Piscata.
Ex. 2 allowed By L. M. Waldo Clerk, Examining Clerk.

Brief in the case of Mary Pratt former wife of Eben Field County and State of Mass act July 4 1836
Claim, ( original or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditional, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
Her husband was a Master Armorer , whose rank was that of an Artillery Lieutenant , who was entitled to a pension of $400 for 2 years service, or $293,33 1 / 3 for 17 months.
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
428 days, the term of service shown for him, 46 mos 12 d. Samson 178.80 Mr Waldo concurs,
Name and residence of Agent
Mr Thayer Esq Present
Thornton L. Lippitt Examining Clerk

Mary Pratt formerly widow of
Ebenezer Fitch. —
at July 4, 1836 for Income, —
Admitted, at $204.80 a year, from March 4, 1831 to September 30, 1852 when she died.
Deducting former payments at $45.00 per year. —
Payable to
Isaac Pratt 1
Edward Pratt 2
Samuel Pratt 3
Betsey Ridler 4
Dolly Watts, sole surviving children. —
Certificate to be sent to
J. M. Thayer
Present. —

The Laboratory in Boston To the Board of War &c.
1777
Aug. 6 To Cash, P d Nath l Wheeler & Compt y of Blacksmiths, one month's wages. " To Cash. P d Eben r Field & Company of Armourers 1 month's wages. Sept. 9 To Cash. p d James Kenney & his company of Wheelwrights. 1 month's pay for August last To Cash. paid Joel Cushing his company of Carpenters for 1 month's pay for August.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office
Boston, July 18. 1854.
I hereby certify that it appears from the records of the Board of War, that the foregoing was the usual form of entries in the account

books for the wages of the Artificers in the Laboratory.
Witness the Seal of the Commonwealth, this eighteenth day of July A.D. 1854.
E. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Mary Pratt dec. formerly widow of Ebenezer Field, Mass Deceased , Sept 24 1832
1 st Mar 41832 Master Almon $293.33 5 th " 9 th " " Miss Almon 28.80 $322.13
For account from 4 th March 1831 to 30 Sep 1832, when she died , Deducting former payments at $204.80 under said act, Pay to Isaac Pratt - Elnan Pratt - Samuel Pratt - Betsey Rider 4 & Polly Watt 5 Surviving children ,
Cert to Mr. Thayer Pratt.

Mary Pratt, formerl. widow of Ebenezer Field Malp
Act July 4. 1836, for increase
Admitted - Master armorer
Malp. Laboratory at Boston
17 mos 18 das, at $10. $176.00 6 " 12 " on board the Alligatore at $4.80 28.80
at $204.80 per annum from March 4. 1831. deducting former payments at $45. per annum.
Certificate to claimant
Agent J. M. Thayer Present

Brief in the case of Mary Pratt, formerly widow of Ebenezer Field, Boston County and State of Massachusetts act July 4. 1836
Claim, ( "original" or "for increase.")
Proof exhibited, (if original.)
Is it documentary, traditionary, or supported by rolls? If either, state the substance.
The applicant was a pensioner under the Act of July 4. 1836, having only applied for her husband's service of 10 mos as armorer on board the Alliance, at $45 per annum Ebenezer Field died in service in 1779
(If for increase.)
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
Certificates of Secy of State of Mass, showing 17 mos 18 das service as Master Armorer at Boston, previous to the service on board the Alliance, 10 mos at $9. per mo, and 7 mos 18 das at $10. per month.
Parol proof of identity. very clear
do do of continued widowhood
Former proof, strong and positive.
Name and residence of Agent
J. M. Thayer Present
S. G. Dodge Examining Clerk.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Suffolk.
I, Samuel Adams, of Boston in said County, aged ninety four years, being duly sworn, depose and say, that I have resided in Boston during all my life; and that I served on board the privateer Boston in 1775 & 1776, and was a soldier in Col. Crafts' Regiment of Guards,  Artillery , and served several months in Rhode Island in the beginning of 1779, and have a distinct recollection of the events of the Revolutionary War. That I was frequently at the State Laboratory in Boston during the said war, and well knew some of the men there employed. That I well remember a person named Field who was the Master Armorer or Gunsmith in said Laboratory. That I also well remember the Frigate Alliance, which sailed from Boston about the year 1779, in which Lafayette sailed for France, and I never saw Mr Field after said frigate sailed, and I was informed by Nathaniel Wheeler, who was master blacksmith at the laboratory, that the said Field had been sent out in the frigate Alliance on (over)

her said cruise; that I well knew the said Wheeler until his death, which occurred about forty years since, and have often conversed with him about the circumstances above mentioned.
Samuel Adams
Subscribed and duly affirmed to before me, this twenty fifth day of October A.D. 1852; and I certify that I well knew the deponent Samuel Adams, and he is well known in Boston, and appears to have a clear mind, a strong recollection, and, for his years, unusual good health and activity; and I have no doubt that his statements are true; the deponent having conscientious scruples about taking an oath. William Rogers, Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, July 18 th 1853
I hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation William Rogers was a justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and constituted; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
T. W. Dighton Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Henry Pratt from G. and J John F. D. D. Sept 15 6 1853

I send herewith copies of all papers that have yet been found in the Archives of the State Department here, relating to the Laboratory. It will be seen that that it grew up in connection with the Regiment of Artillery under Col Crafts.
It was then placed under the a Commissary of Military Stores for the reason that the "Military Stores of the State were much increased." See Resolve of April 28 th 1878.
Then observe the Resolve of 19 th Oct 1878 following. The Resolve of 28 th April having been found insufficient to answer the end proposed, a Comptroller is appointed, also the officers of Treasurer and Clerk are created. These several offices of Comptroller, Treasurer and Clerk down to that time did not exist.
The condition of the Laboratory

at the and the exigencies of the service at that time showed the necessity for them, and they were created by a special act. This special act only provided what seemed to be wanting to make the Saltonstall more efficient than it had been. It certainly cannot be inferred from this special act that the Saltonstall had had no officers prior to that date. Such an inference would be manifestly absurd and in direct opposition to the facts. The Saltonstall had been in existence two years on the reaborts, and as far back as July 1 st 1888, companies of artificers were stationed there for building. Ebenezer Field & Masters of said companies, neither can it be inferred from the creation establishment of the offices of Quartermaster, Paymaster & Clerk and placing them on a footing with certain offices of Artillery.

That the officers engaged at the Saltonstall prior to that time, did not have an artillery rank, but on the contrary the very reverse must be inferred. The very fact that the Camp Street Fireworks and Clerks, were placed on an artillery footing, goes to prove that all the officers of the Saltonstall were on a footing with the corresponding officers of artillery. The Saltonstall was in the first place attached to the Regt. of Artillery. It should be known in regard that no such office, or rank as Ensign was known in the Artillery during the time that Regt. was in existence. The rank of Lt. was the lowest known.
In regard to the former certificate being rather an argument than a certificate of fact. I have to say that, at my request a thorough investigation was made

of the Records in his office by the Secretary, for the purpose of obtaining all the information that could be found respecting the Laboratory & the Master Artificers, and he certifies to certain facts as the result, I cannot conceive how it can be considered as an argument, It must be  to presumed that the Secretary of Mass. knows his duty.
I respectfully ask for a re-exam- ination of the case of Mary Pratt formerly widow of Ebenezer Field of Mass. act 1830, and an increase to the pay of a Lt. of Artillery Ebenezer Field is shown to have been a Master of a company of Artificers, to have been rated and paid as a Lt. of Artillery. Is there any reason why he should not have the pension of a Lt. of Artillery?

Boston June 24 th 1853.
Sir,
I have received your letter dated May 16. 1853 respecting the application of Mary Pratt of this State (formerly the widow of Ebenezer Field) for an increase of her pension on account of his services as the Master Armorer of the Laboratory, requiring evidence that this service was in a military capacity.
Enclose the Certificate of the Secretary of State, which clearly establishes the service as such, and it also appears that his pay and rank was the same as that provided by law for the Clerk of the Laboratory, viz: a Lt. of Artillery.
I also enclose a Certificate of the Secretary showing the time of service of Field as Master Armorer, until obliged by the exigency of the service to sail on board the Alliance.
Very Resp'y Yr
Obt. Servt
Sam A. Andrew,
Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.

Application for a certificate of revolutionary service, made by the widow of the party who rendered the service.
The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is respectfully requested to furnish, from the rolls and documents in his office, evidence of the service of my former husband, Ebenezer Field, during the war of the Revolution.
My said husband entered the service of the State of Massachusetts, about the beginning of the year 1777, as chief armorer or gunsmith at the Laboratory in Boston, under the direction of Col. William Burbeck and continued to serve as such until the month of December, 1778 or January, 1779, when he sailed in the Frigate Alliance, Capt Peter Landais, as Armourer, on board of which vessel he served nearly a year.
Witness my hand, this Seventh day of July, 1852.
Mary her  X mark Pratt
Signed by the said Mary Pratt in my presence. Ralph Beatley Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
June 20 185 3.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that
The name of Ebenezer Field is borne on the records of the Board of War as Master Armorer of the Laboratory in Boston, and he is credited by service from July 1. 1777. to Dec 18. 1778. 17. Mos. and 18. days; his pay was £9. (nine pounds) per month from July 1. 1777. to May 1. 1778. when it was increased to £10. (ten pounds) for which warrants were drawn monthly; he was also allowed two rations per day, _____
The name Ebenezer Field as above does not appear upon the records of the Board of War after Dec 18. 1778. _____
Col. William Burbeck was Superintendent of the Laboratory in 1778 & 1779 _____

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. M. Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
June 20 1853.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that the Laboratory in Boston in which Ebenezer Field served as Master Armorer from July 1777. to Dec. 1778. was under the control of the Board of War of this state, and was similar in all respects (except extent) to the Continental Laboratory at Springfield, — having a Superintendent and several companies of Artificers. The Superintendent had by law the rank, and pay and rations of a Col. of Artillery, and the Master Fireworker, of a Capt. of Artillery, and other Masters as the Board might direct. — The Board of War had the control of all the Military and Naval affairs of the state, under the the Council, the Supreme Military and Executive Authority.

And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
E. W. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Pension Office,
May 16 th 1852.
Sir:
Mary Pratt, of Massachusetts, formerly Widow of Ebenezer Field, deceased, applied for an increase of pension on account of services of Field as armorer in the State Laboratory of Massachusetts.
It does not appear that this service was military, (i.e.) performed by one embodied in any regiment or other organized corps. Until this is shown, no pension can be allowed for this service.
I am, respectfully, Your ob t , Serv t ,
S. M c rae Commissioner
John A. Andrew, Esq., Boston, Mass.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Suffolk County,
I, Horatio Woodman, attorney to prosecute the claim of Mary Pratt for an increase of her pension on account of the revolutionary services of her former husband Ebenezer Field, as Master Armourer of the Massachusetts Laboratory, do hereby constitute and appoint
J. M. Thayer Esq. to be my substitute as such attorney, & authorize him to take such steps as may be necessary and proper in the premises, as such substitute, and I hereby ratify all which he may do for the purpose aforesaid.
Witness my hand & Seal this Twenty seventh day of January 1853
Horatio Woodman
Attest:
Thomas Pratt } J. M. Buckingham }
State of Massachusetts } County of Suffolk }
Personally appeared Horatio Woodman, who subscribed the foregoing Power of Attorney & acknowledged the same to be his free act & deed, this 27 th day of January 1853, before me
J. M. Buckingham Justice of the Peace

Boston Dec r 7 th 1852
Dear Sir
I have this morning recd yours of the 4 th inst. covering a line from the Commr of Pensions in relation to the case of Mrs. Mary Pratt, am much obliged by your attention.
I am of opinion that the department misunderstand the posture of the case. There was forwarded by me a declaration setting forth additional service of her husband, Ebenezer Field, which was in itself a new claim - & several affidavits confirming the statements made in the declaration. Those papers were intended as an application for an increase of pension.
Unless they are now on the files of the pension office I should be glad to have them returned to me at once, in order that I may review the whole & make certain of being entirely intelligible to the department - before putting anything more on file in the case. —
I am Your obliged friend and servant - John A. Andrew

Washington, Sep. 14 th 52,
No. of Rep. in Indictment.
J. C. Heath Esq.
Com r of Pensions in a
Dear Sir,
Enclosed are papers, in behalf of the claim of Henry Pratt. The papers explain them- selves. I ask your favorable at- tention, as early as may consist with your convenience.
Yours very truly
Moran Harris.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Suffolk County,
I, Daniel Pratt, of Chelsea, in said County, aged 68 years, being duly sworn, depose and say, that I well know Mrs Mary Pratt, of Chelsea, who is a pensioner on account of the services of her former husband, Ebenezer Field, in the Revolutionary War; that I have often heard the said Mary & others relate the services of the said Field as a gunsmith or armorer during said war; that I was present when the said Mary made her declaration of her husband's services for the purpose of obtaining the pension which she now receives, and she then stated that she first became acquainted with the said Field while he was at work at the Government Laboratory in Boston as master gunsmith, having a number of men under him; - that he continued so employed until a few weeks after their marriage, when he sailed on board the Frigate Alliance as Armorer; - and I further say, that I have never doubted, nor have ever heard anyone doubt that the said Field served as above stated, two or three years in all; - and that I am disinterested.
Daniel Pratt
Witness Ralph Beatley
Sarah Pratt
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this twenty fourth day of June A.D. 1852; and I certify that the said Daniel Pratt is well known to me, and is a respectable and credible witness.
Ralph Beatley Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Suffolk County,
I, Elizabeth Pratt, of Chelsea, aged fifty five years, being duly sworn, depose and say, that I well know Mary Pratt, who is a pensioner on account of the Revolutionary services of her former husband, Ebenezer Field; - that, more than thirty years ago, the said Mary related to me the services of her deceased husband, and that she became acquainted with him while employed as Chief Armorer at the Laboratory in Boston, where he had the charge of a number of men; - that he was so employed a considerable length of time, and until he was obliged to sail as armorer on board the Frigate Alliance, which was very soon after their marriage; - that I have often heard the services of the said Field spoken of, and have always been told he served as above stated.
Witness Ralph Beasley Harriet H. S. Bishop
Elizabeth Pratt
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this twenty fifth day of June A.D. 1852; and I certify that the said Elizabeth Pratt is well known to me, and is a respectable and credible witness.
Ralph Beasley Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Suffolk County,
I, Benjamin Watts, of Chelsea, aged ninety years, being duly sworn according to law, depose and say, that I well know Mary Pratt, who is a pensioner of the United States on account of the Revolutionary services of her former husband Ebenezer Field, and have known her for more than seventy years; that I well remember the Frigate Alliance, and her sailing from Boston, about the year 1779; that soon afterward, I became acquainted with the said Mary, and was informed that her husband the said Ebenezer Field had sailed in the said Frigate Alliance, as gunsmith, or armourer; and that, previously thereto, he had been employed as master gunsmith at the place where guns were made or repaired in Boston, soon after the British left Boston, and continued so employed until he sailed in the frigate, as above mentioned.
Witness Ralph Beatley
Benjamin Watts
Mary R. Manning
Subscribed and sworn to before me, this twenty third day of June 1852, and I certify that the abovenamed Benjamin Watts is a respectable and credible witness, and appears to be of sound mind and memory.
Ralph Beatley Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Suffolk County.
I Mary Pratt, being duly sworn according to law, depose and say, that I am a Pensioner of the United States, on account of the service of my former husband Ebenezer Field , during the Revolutionary War. And that I am the identical person named in a certificate of Pension, dated June 15 th , 1839, at the rate of $45. per annum, which was granted to me on account of my said husband's service as Armorer on board the frigate Alliance , during said war.
I further depose and say that I do not believe, that I have ever received the full amount of pension to which I am entitled by law on account of the services of my said husband: - that my said husband entered the service of the State of Massachusetts at the beginning of the year 1777, and served as Chief Armorer in the Laboratory of the said State, and was so employed when I became acquainted with him about that time that he continued to serve in that capacity until the time the cont d Frigate Alliance , capt Peter Sandais, was fitted out at Boston, and wanting a skilful Armorer my husband was induced to go on board the said frigate in that capacity about the 1 st of January 1779, and on account of

his services on board said frigate, I have received the said certificate of pension.
That my said husband served as Chief Armouner in said Laboratory, previous to his service on board said frigate for about two years, that he was reputed to possess great skill and rendered important service in his profession —
That I herewith surrender the certificate of Pension which I now hold, and pray to receive in lieu thereof a certificate at such increased rate, as is provided by law, and has usually been granted for such service as that of my said husband, as Armouner and Artificer in the State Laboratory aforesaid.
Witness Mary R. Manning Mary A. Pratt
Mary her mark Pratt
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me, this Seventh day of July A.D. 1852.
Ralph Beatley
Justice of the Peace.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston, July 9 th 1852.
I Hereby Certify, That at the date of the annexed attestation Ralph Beatley was a Justice of the Peace for the County of Suffolk.
in the said Commonwealth, duly commissioned and qualified; and that to his acts and attestations, as such, full faith and credit are and ought to be given, in and out of Court.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Marcus Walker Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Waverly Hall formerly known as the residence of the late Mrs. [?]
Jan 21/1882
J. M. Thayer Attorney Present
Mary Pratt of Waverly Hill as to [?] admitted

Know all Men by these Presents, - That I Mary Pratt, hereby constitute and appoint Horatio Woodman of Boston, to be my true and lawful Attorney, for me and in my name to prosecute any claim which I may have on the Government of the United States for an increase of pension and arrears of pension due me on account of the services of my former husband Ebenezer Child, as an Armourer or Artificer during the war of the Revolution - And the said Horatio Woodman is hereby authorized to take all necessary and proper steps in the prosecution of said claim, and to appoint substitutes if necessary - And I hereby ratify and confirm all acts which my said Attorney may lawfully do in the premises for the purpose aforesaid.
Witness Josiah Pratt
Mary her X Pratt mark
Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Suffolk ss.
June 14. 1882
Then personally appeared Mary Pratt, and acknowledged the foregoing Power of Attorney, by her subscribed to be her free act and deed.
Before me
Ralph Bendley } Justice of the Peace.

ground of the claim to increase.

The Secretary of Mass. certifies that Ebenezer Field was a Major or Annuoer and that Masters in the State service ranked and were paid as Subalterns  Lieuts. and Captains of Artillery. I therefore claim that the Field's widow should receive 33 1/3 dollars per month the pension of a lt of Artillery instead of the $20 per month, the pension of a private.

Copy
Treasury Department Comptroller's Office Feb 20. 1839
Sir
I will thank you to transmit to this Office, as soon as practicable, the papers filed with the application of Mary Pratt, the widow of Eben. Field, to obtain a pension for services in the Continental Navy, including all the proofs of identity and service at any time furnished to the Pension Office - and which papers will be returned to you, as soon as their relevant contents are copied.
With great respect
Your Sir
W. McLellan Compt.
J. L. Edwards Esq Comt. of Pensions
claim of 38 possibly 36 Certificate date June 15. 1839. No. 2690-for 2-45

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office, Boston :
Aug 4. 1853.
I hereby Certify, That, from an examination of the Books and Documents relating to Military Services in the War of the Revolution, which remain in this Department, it appears that The Master Artificers were ranked and paid either as Captains or Lieutenants in the line; the rank of Lieutenant being the lowest recognised for a Master Workman. — All the Masters in the service of this State were rated by the Board of War as Lieutenants, except the Master Fireworker, who, it was specially provided by the Legislature, should have the rank and pay of a Capt. of Artillery; Also that the Clerk of the Laboratory should have that of a Lieut. of Artillery: — It also appears that the Master Armorer received the pay and subsistence of a Lieut. of the Artillery Regt. of this State. This Class of Artificers, more correctly styled Armourers was in the Continental Service generally embraced in the more comprehensive but less definite term of "Artillery Artificers." The Companies of which were composed of Armourers (or workers in all kinds of Arms) and Blacksmiths with a proportion of Wheelwrights, Hacksmiths, and harness makers for the Artillery.

The Artificers in the Service of this State were Furnace-men, Armourers (or gunsmiths), Wheelwrights, Blacksmiths and Carpenters. Their work being all done at the Laboratory in Boston, the necessity of having the Companies composed of different trades did not exist. Subsequently to 1776, an office of Artificers was in all cases of the same rank as an office of the Artillery.
And I further Certify, That, before search made for evidence of said facts, the application hereto annexed was filed in this Office, in the form in which the same now appears; that the search was made by myself and my clerks alone; and that said application, and the certificate above set forth, contain all the facts and circumstances within my knowledge, pertaining to the case.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto affixed the Seal of the Commonwealth, the date above written.
Edw. Doughty Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Suffolk County.
We Francis Kemble aged 36 years and Samuel P. Ridley aged 35 years, being duly sworn depose & say that we well knew Mary Pratt, formerly widow of Ebenezer Field, who was a pensioner of the United States. That she died September 30. 1852. and left five children viz: Isaac, Edward, & Samuel Pratt, Betsey Ridley and Polly Watts, all of whom are now living.
Francis Kemble.
Samuel P. Ridley
Subscribed and duly sworn to before me this 3 rd day of August 1853. and I certify that the said Francis Kemble and Samuel P. Ridley are respectable and credible witnesses.
Lyman Mason Justice of the Peace

Wednesday October 14 th 1778.
In the House of Representatives. Whereas this Court did on the twenty eighth day of April last pass a Resolve for appointing a Commissary of Military Stores and regulating the Laboratory, which Resolve is insufficient to answer the end proposed, it is therefore,
Resolved, that some person be appointed by joint ballot of both Houses, as a Comptroller of the Laboratory; and the said Comptroller is hereby ordered and directed to take into his possession and care all the Military Stores and Ordnance of this State except such as are necessary for the several Forts and Redoubts within the same; and the said Comptroller is further directed to take charge of the Laboratory of this State, superintend and carry on the works of the same; and the commanding officer of the Regiment of Artillery in the service of this State, is hereby ordered and directed to furnish the said Comptroller with such and so many men as shall be necessary for making cartridges and carrying on such other works as may be wanted in the said Laboratory; and whenever the Regiment of Artillery, or any of the Officers of Forts and Redoubts, or of any Corps in the service and pay of this State shall have occasion of cartridges or any other Military Stores, they are directed to apply to the Hon ble Council, who are requested to give orders for such quantities as they shall judge necessary.
And it is further Resolved, that the said Comptroller shall recommend to the Hon ble Council some suitable

person for a Master Fire Worker, (who shall have Commission for said purpose,) also appoint a Clerk for said Laboratory and the said Comptroller shall be accountable for such stores and Military Apparatus, as he shall from time to time receive, and shall take receipts for all such stores and apparatus as may be ordered out by the Hon ble the major part of the Council, and make return of them from time to time, as they may order and direct, and the said Comptroller to be under the direction of the Hon ble the major part of said Council, The said Comptroller shall have the rank, pay and rations of a Colonel, - The Master Fire-Worker of a Captain, and the Clerk of a First Lieutenant of Artillery.
In Council Read and Concurred. Consented to by Fifteen of the Council.
Secretary's Office Boston September 12 th 1853.
I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true Copy from the General Court Records, deposited in this Department.
Attest.
T. M. Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Monday April 14 th 1777.
In the House of Representatives, - Resolved that Col: Thomas Crafts be and hereby is empowered and directed to re-enlist from the Regiment now under his command, a Regiment of Artillery men, to serve for the term of three years from the eighth day of May next if not sooner discharged; to be commanded by one Colonel, one Lieutenant Colonel, and one Major, to consist of ten companies of Matrosses, each Company to have one Captain, one First Lieutenant, two Second Lieutenants, three Serjeants, three Corporals, ten Gunners, four Bombardiers, one Drummer, one Piper, and thirty three Matrosses; and that the said officers and men shall receive the following pay per calendar month, viz. Colonel Twenty two Pounds Ten Shillings.
Lieut t Colonel Eighteen Pounds.
Major Fifteen Pounds.
Captain Twelve Do.
Do Lieut. Nine "
First Do Eight " Five Shillings
Second " " " Do Do.
And also Resolved that said Regiment shall be subject to do duty in any of the United States, but shall however not be removed out of this State without the orders of the General Court, or in the recess thereof by the Council; and in case of removal out of this State, or in doing duty in conjunction with Continental Troops within this State they shall be entitled to such further allowance as the Court shall judge the Circumstances may make reasonable.
In Council Read and Concurred.
Consented to by fifteen of the Council.

Evidence that Field was in Muster Roll
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Secretary's Office Boston September 12 th 1853.
I hereby certify that it appears from the Records in this office that Col. Thomas Crafts was Commander of the State Regiment of Artillery from its establishment in 1776 until February 1779, and also by virtue of said Office had charge of the Laboratory until the appointment of a Superintendent April 28 th 1778*. The first date at which the Board of War appears to have drawn warrants for the pay of the State Artificers as shown by their Records was April 4 th 1777, and was in form as follows to pay "James Kenny and sundry other Artificers" &c and Joel Cushing and sundry other Artificers in Col. Crafts Train of Artillery" &c. From and after June 1777 the form of the orders was to pay Joel Cushing and others "Carpenters at the Laboratory". James Kenny and others "Wheelwrights at do" &c. Warrants were drawn in this way for Companies of Carpenters, Blacksmiths, Wheelwrights and Armourers.
* There appears to have been no special Act or resolve of the Legislature establishing the Laboratory at the above date. Attest.
Wm. S. D. Secretary of the Commonwealth
I further certify that the masters of the Companies of Artificers at the Laboratory as above mentioned were, subsequent to July 1, 1777 as follows: Joel Cushing Master Carpenter, Ebenezer Field Master Armorer, James Kenny Master Wheelwright, Nathl. Wheeler Master Blacksmith.
Attest. Wm. S. D. Secretary of the Commonwealth

In Council
Friday, October 30 th 1778.
Whereas, it appears to this Board, that it was not the intent of the General Court, in passing the resolve of the fifteenth of October, instant, respecting the laboratory, that the commanding officer of the Regiment of Artillery should furnish from his Regiment such Artificers as might be necessary to be employed in & about the works to be carried on in the laboratory. Therefore Ordered, that the Board of War be & hereby are directed to continue in the service & pay of this state all such artificers as are now in the said service until the further order of this Board or the General Court.
In Board of War,
Boston, Nov. 12 th 1778.
Ordered, That agreeable to the order of Council & the request of Col. Burbeck, the following Artificers be employed at the Laboratory & at the rate sett against their names until further order. - Joel Cushing, Master House Carpenter, at £15 per month & 2 rations per day. Nath l Wheeler, Master blacksmith at 15 £ per month & 2 rations per day.

Ebenezer Field, Master Armourer at 15 £ 1, P m & 82 rations per day. Sam l Breeden, Wheelwright, at £ 15, P m & 82 rations per day.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Secretary's Office
Boston, July 18. 1854.
I hereby certify the foregoing to be true copies of extracts from the Records in this Office.
Witness the seal of the Com- -monwealth, this eighteenth day of July, A.D. 1854.
E. M c Wright Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Saturday, October, 26. 1776.
In the House of Representatives.
Whereas the present exigencies of our affairs, and the War we are by the injurious and cruel conduct of Britain forced into for the defence of every thing dear to us, make it necessary that we should adopt the best measures for conducting the war with the greatest secrecy, despatch, and economy. It is therefore _____
Resolved , That nine persons be appointed by joint ballot of both Houses of Assembly as a Committee, under the title of a Board of War; who shall keep in Boston, or such other place or places as the General Court may order, or the said Board shall find necessary, a public office for the purposes hereafter mentioned; and continue as a Committee for those purposes until the twentieth day of June next, and until others shall be appointed; subject nevertheless to a discharge at any time by the General Assembly of this State; whose business it shall be, and they or a majority of them are hereby empowered to order and direct the operations of the Forces in the pay of this State, both by sea and land, by giving the commanders of the Troops, Garrisons, and Vessels of War such orders for their conduct, and cruises from time to time as they shall think proper; such orders to be signed in their name by the President of said Board, or in his absence by the member thereof officiating as President pro tempore—such land forces nevertheless shall not be sent out of this State without the express consent of the General Assembly thereof; And shall order the Commissary to furnish them and also the militia upon extraordinary occasions with all war-

like, and other stores, provisions and clothing, that shall appear to them proper and necessary. And for the more effectually enabling them to do this business, it is also.
Resolved , That the said Committee or Board of War, or the major part of them, shall procure or cause to be procured, provisions, cannon, arms, ammunition, clothing, and all other articles necessary for carrying on the war by sea and land; for which purpose they shall take up or may purchase, load, and fit out with suitable cargoes such vessels as shall appear to them proper for importing said articles from other States; - they not amounting in the whole to a greater sum than shall from time to time be granted by the General Assembly appropriated for those purposes; which articles when procured shall be lodged with the Commissary of this State, who shall store them in such safe and convenient places for the defence of this State as said Committee, or Board of War shall order; and then with such articles belonging to this State now in his hands from time to time deliver out according to the orders of said Committee and also procure any such articles as said Committee shall direct. And it is further—
Resolved , That the Secretary and Commissary of this State make such Returns to said Committee without delay, as they shall from time to time require. And all Officers in the service and pay of this State by sea or land, are hereby required to be obedient and subject to such orders as they shall from time to time receive from the said Committee or Board of War, with the limitations aforesaid; which Committee shall keep in books for that purpose provided, fair and clear entries of all orders issued, and returns made, and also of all their proceedings, and of all the mil-

itary and warlike stores and provisions belonging to this State, and the places where deposited. And said Committee or Board of War shall produce their books and render account of their doings to the General Assembly of this State whenever and so often as they shall be thereunto required. And for the more effectually carrying into execution the purposes aforesaid, the said Committee or Board of War, or the major part of them shall be and hereby are empowered to draw warrants on the Treasurer of the State for such sums of money as the General Assembly shall appropriate for that purpose; and the said Treasurer is hereby directed to pay the same. The said Committee or Board of War to be accountable to the General Assembly of this State for the expenditure thereof. And the said Committee or a major part of them are hereby empowered to take up, or if need be, impress any horses, cattle and carriages, and such other articles as the exigencies of the public service require. — And it is also,
Resolved, That any five, and not less, of said Committee or Board of War shall be a quorum and vested with full powers to act in all cases; and their doings shall be valid in all respects, as if the whole were present.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Secretary's Office, Boston, Sept r 9. 1853
A true copy from the General Court Records.
Attest.
W m Fuffe Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth

Tuesday April 28 th 1778.
In the House of Representatives.
Whereas the Military Stores of this State are much increased, and it is necessary that some person other than the Colonel of Artillery be appointed to take care of them.
It is therefore Resolved that some person be appointed by joint ballot of both Houses as a Commissary of Military Stores, and the said Commissary is hereby ordered and directed to take into his possession and care all the Military Stores belonging to this State except such as are necessary for the several Forts and Posts within the same; and the said Commissary is further directed to take charge of the Laboratory of this State, and superintend and carry on the works of the same; and the commanding officers of the Regiment of Artillery in the service and pay of this State is hereby ordered and directed from time to time to furnish the said Commissary with such and so many men as shall be necessary for making the Cartridges and carrying on other works in the said Laboratory; and whenever the Regiment of Artillery or any other Corps in the service and pay of this State, or the Commanders of any Forts in the same shall have occasion for cartridges or any other Military Stores, they are directed to apply to the Hon ble Council, who are requested to give orders for such quantities as they shall judge necessary.
And it is further Resolved, that the said Commissary shall appoint a Clerk and Conductor

who shall be allowed eight pounds per month and one ration each; the said Commissary shall be accountable for all such stores as he shall from time to time receive and shall make return to the Board of War of all such stores as he has in his possession when and so often as they shall call for the same and shall be allowed for his service fifteen pounds per month and two rations. In Council Read and Concurred, Consented to by seven of the Council.
Secretary's Office Boston September 12 th 1853.
I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true Copy from the General Court Records, deposited in this Department.
Attest.
T. M. Wright
Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Tuesday June 23 d 1778.
In the House of Representatives
Whereas it is represented to this Court that the Laboratory of this State is in an improper condition, therefore,
Resolved. That Colonel Dawes and Capt. Williams, with such as the Hon ble Board may join, be a Committee to examine into the state thereof, and to take such regulations respecting it as they shall think fit. until the next sitting of the Court.
Sent up for concurrence.
In Council read and concurred, and Oliver Wendell Esqr is joined. —
Consented to by
Fifteen of the Council.
Secretary's Office Boston September 12 th 1853.
I hereby certify the foregoing to be a Copy from the the General Court Records deposited in this Department.
Attest
Tom W. Wright
Secretary of the S tate Commonwealth.

R H 1.
Boylston St., Cor. Berkeley Boston, March 2, 94.
To the Commissioner of Pensions, Washington D. C.:-
1.
Samuel Pratt, of Chelsea, Mass., one of my four great-grandfathers, joined the Amer- ican army, Boston regiment, at the breaking out of the Revolution- ary war, April 19. 1775, (Lexington Alarm); was ordered with his reg- iment to Washington's army on the Hudson where he witnessed the exe- cution of Major Andre. He was a Lieutenant in the Continental Army. His wife, Mary Newhall, (Field) Pratt, lived to be over 95 years of age,

And received two pensions (2 from the U. S. Government, — one because of the services for his coun- try by his first husband, field, who had been an Ensign in the navy; and the other because of those of the above-mentioned Sam- uel Pratt. The second pension was the larger one, and on its receipt the first was relinquished. Such is the story as I have had it. I shall be obliged to you if you will inform me if the above is correct, also the amount of the second pension, when granted and how long enjoyed by Mrs. Sam- uel Pratt.
2. There is also a tradition in our family that another of my great- grandfathers, Isaac Ridler, mother's will and

formerly of London, England, 3, Somewhere about 1760 or before (when he was 19 years of age) came to Boston, profession master mar- iner, where he married and settled, commanding a privateer in the Revolutionary War. His widow, my great-grandmother, Eliza- beth, (Hemenway) Ridler married — Hosea who had a son Richard. She lived with the son on Charter Street, Boston. She too lived to an advanced age. I shall be obliged to you for any information concern- ing the above - described Isaac Ridler which your department may have concerning his services in behalf of the government, the name of the privateer which he commanded, whether his widow

or anyone else received a pen- (4 sion therefor, how much and for how long a time. On the death of Isaac Ridler, above referred to, the family papers and docu- ments relating to the Ridlers were retained by his widow and passed to the Hooses.
Sincerely, Charles E. Ridler.

DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
O. W. & P. Div. P. S. H. E. C.
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C., March 17, 1894.
Sir:-
In response to your request for the Revolutionary history of Samuel Pratt, you are advised that his widow, Mary, was granted a pension not for his services in that war but for the services of her first husband, Ebenezer Field, as a seaman on the continental frigate "Alliance", and her pension was subsequently increased, it having been ascertained that her first husband, Ebenezer Field, had rendered a prior service as Master Armorer in the Laboratory of the State of Massachusetts.
In her application for pension, however, the widow states that her last husband, Samuel Pratt, served as an officer in the Revolutionary war and performed a tour of service of three months in the State of New York as 1st Lieutenant in Capt. Joseph Pratt's company, Col. Edward Procter's Massachusetts regiment, stationed at or near Albany, he having been commissioned as Lieutenant in the month of August, 1780. No further allusion is made in her declaration to the services of Samuel Pratt. The date of her marriage to Samuel Pratt is not mentioned but she states that he died December 24, 1809.
This Bureau has found no record of the services of Isaac

Ridler in the above mentioned war.
The Revolutionary Archives of your State undoubtedly contain information bearing on the services of Samuel Pratt, and it is also possible that some record may be found there relative to Isaac Ridler.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Charles E. Ridler,
Boylston St. cor. Berkeley,
Boston, Massachusetts.

BOUNTY LAND WARRANT RECORD CARD*
NAME Field, Edward GRADE Private LINE Connecticut
WARRANT NUMBER 5787 ACREAGE 100 ISSUED Feb. 24, 1800 to Obadiah Sprague
*The information concerning the issuance of warrants carded on this form is found in volumes 2 to 4 of "Land Warrants Issued Prior to 1800" which are registers of bounty land warrants issued to non-commissioned officers and privates under congressional resolutions of September 16, 1776, and subsequent dates. Other records relative to the applications for warrants appear to have been destroyed in the War Department fire of November 9, 1800. Information concerning warrants surrendered to the Federal Government is to be found in General Land Office records in The National Archives.